Firefighters on alert in Big Bear Lake due to lightning

Firefighters are on alert after receiving reports of lightning in Big Bear Lake this morning, U.S. Forest Service dispatchers said.

Fire officials say the lightning began in the area around 11:30 a.m., but it is unknown if it is what is sometimes called "dry lightning" - referring to lightning without rain.

There have been no reports of fires in the area due to the strikes.

But forest service officials say they've received reports between Saturday and today of about 100 lightning strikes throughout Inland Empire. Ten of those strikes ignited small fires in areas near Lake Arrowhead, Morongo Indian Reservation, Forest Falls and Angelus Oaks.

"We expect more lightning and more small fires," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Howard Hunter.